R. Sale > 29-03-2020, 07:36 PM
Aga T.,
Cautious is good.
The image in the second link, a mermaid / siren facing forward with a double tail is a fairly common pose for such representations. And, yes, there are a fair number of other creatures with 'unexpected', fish-like, lower extremities.
The Vms illustration You are not allowed to view links.
Register or
Login to view. is different. The woman + fish(?) is in a different pose and single-tailed. She is in a pond with several other creatures. This description applies equally well to illustration in Harley 334 f. 57, which was produced in Paris in the 2nd quarter of the 15th Century. I am not aware of any other illustrations that share all these points of similarity.
Furthermore, Harley 334 has been included in the discussion of the VMs cosmos. How many other historical manuscripts have two independent connections to the VMs?
Both the Oresme cosmos (BNF Fr. 565 fol. 23) and the
Romance of Melusine connect with Jean, Duke of Berry, who died in Paris in 1416.
The myth of Melusine also connects with Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy.
From 1420 to 1435 Paris was controlled by the Anglo-Burgundian forces, with the possibility of access to the books of the duke of Berry.
The Golden Fleece (starting 1430) and the
Apocalypse of 1313 both connect to Philip the Good.
If the comparisons are valid, that implies that there were connections. If there were no connections, what explains he similarities?
So far I'd say that the evidence is interesting, the provenance is good, and I would like to see the discussion continue and expand, or if the premise is flawed, let the flaws be exposed.
DONJCH,
John the Fearless (Jean sans Peur) was the second Valois duke of Burgundy, his father was Philip the Bold.
You are not allowed to view links.
Register or
Login to view.
The battle of Agincourt occurred in 1415
John was murdered in 1419 by French agents and his son, Philip the Good, formed an alliance with England that lasted from 1420 to 1435.
Henry V died the end of August 1422.
From what I can see, Shakespeare seems to lack sufficient detail to really be specific as to who was supposedly speaking to whom and when. And unfortunately I no longer have the book to see if there is any reference there.